Emmorton?s baseball team advanced further at the Cal Ripken World Series than any team in Harford County history, but headed home Wednesday night without the chance to play for the ultimate prize: a championship.
Emmorton (1-3) had only four hits during a 5-0 loss against Tampa (Fla.) at the Fenway field at the Ripken Baseball Complex in Aberdeen.
With the loss, Emmorton ? vying to become the first host team to advance out of pool play ? got knocked out of the 16-team tournament.
“We knew it was on the line,” Emmorton shortstop Jeffery Taylor said. “We knew that we had to hit, and we didn?t.”
With a win over Tampa, Emmorton would have been one of two teams from its division to advance to the elimination rounds. Instead, Tampa (2-2) joins Lexington, Ky. (3-1) in moving to within three wins from becoming world champions.
“Its not the greatest thing in the world, but we tried our best and we at least got one win out of it,” said outfielder Ryan Katelan, who won the player of the game award against Tampa for his solid defense and a two-for-three performance at the plate.
Tampa put the game away with a three-run fifth. Tampa starter Vince Miniet struck out seven in 4 1/3 innings, scattering three hits and three walks. Emmorton starter Billy Dearth allowed five runs and five hits in five innings.
Tampa will face undefeated Bryant, Ark. today at 5:30 p.m. game at Cal Sr.?s Yard. The winner will advance to U.S. Championship on Friday..
During Emmorton?s game Wednesday afternoon, Mexico beat Australia, 10-0, in a four-inning perfect game by Gilberto Carrera.
“All the teams here are at the top, so I was just honored to play with them,” third baseman Kendall Hill said. “Especially Mexico, because they?re the best team that I saw.”
Most Emmorton players agree: Mexico is the favorite to win the tournament.
Emmorton failed to become the first host team to reach the elimination round, but players were grateful for the opportunity to compete against some of the world?s best youth teams.
“I could take a lot of pride from just winning the districts and being here,” Hill said. “I?ve been in many tournaments here, and nothing has come up to be this big.”
